Seniors Matter(s): Hot fun in the summer sun!

Aaaaaah, the lazy days of summer.

I remember the movies showing life in the 1800s.

The rich were fair of skin and used parasols, while the labourers were bronze from their toils in the sun.

It seems ironic that now very few of us work outside all day, yet we crave suntans as if they make us look better. The aristocrats, apparently, had it right when it comes to skin care.

A tan in and of itself is evidence of skin damage. “The skin appears darker because it redistributes melanin in an effort to protect itself.” With repeated exposure, not only will the skin darken, but it will also thicken and become leathery.

Many seek the sun as a source for Vitamin D, which it is, but needed in only small quantities. There’s no reason to damage the skin, putting yourself at risk for skin cancer as well as accelerated aging, to get Vitamin D. You can achieve adequate Vitamin D levels through proper diet and supplementation without harming the skin.

While most fair-skinned people tend to realize it’s best for them to avoid sun exposure, those with darker skin need to take the same precaution.

While you feel like you look better with a tan, you don’t need to put your skin at risk in order to achieve those results. Some people believe you have to get a true suntan to have tan skin but nowadays, there are several effective, natural-appearing sunless tanners and bronzers. There’s no reason to damage your skin if you want the look of having a tan.

I am currently paying for my decades of getting crimson red and NOT using any lotion at all – duh!

I am on an aggressive six-month checkup with my dermatologist who freezes and/or cuts out suspicious-looking skin spots. Some are bad and some are harmless. I am comfortable and secure in his diligence.

I needed to learn more because I came to realize how important it is to know just how deadly skin cancer can be. For example, I learned that there are more skin cancers diagnosed in one year in the United States than all other cancers combined over a three-year period.

In case it wasn’t already clear, any tan whatsoever can set you up for future skin problems.

I learned there are two main types of skin cancer:

Melanoma is the less common, but more dangerous form of skin cancer, and accounts for most of the deaths due to skin cancer each year. Melanoma is cancer that begins in the epidermal cells that produce melanin. Melanoma is almost always curable when detected in its early stages.

Non-melanomas occur in the basal or squamous cells located at the base of the epidermis, both inside and outside the body. Non-melanomas often develop in sun-exposed areas of the body, including the face, ears, neck, lips, and the backs of the hands. Also, predisposition to skin cancer can be hereditary, meaning it is passed through the generations of a family through genes.

Another type of growth, actinic or solar keratoses, is a concern because it can progress into cancer. Actinic keratoses are considered the earliest stage in the development of skin cancer and are caused by long-term exposure to sunlight.
Keratoses are easily treated in a dermatologist’s office by removing them with liquid nitrogen or chemical peels.

Last but not least, I came to learn about Photokeratitis which is actually a sunburn of the cornea. It is caused by intense UVC/UVB exposure of the eye or certain types of tanning lamps.

Also, Cataracts are another form of eye damage that research has shown may increase with UV exposure. Clouding of the natural lens of the eye causing decreased vision and possible blindness are all effects of cataracts. Fortunately, cataracts can be surgically removed.

Clearly (excuse the pun), wearing sun protection gear such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with 100-per-cent UV protection, can help decrease the risks of eye damage.

Eye exposure to the sun’s rays must be carefully monitored.

Like all the other issues facing us, as seniors, we should engage a dermatologist for an evaluation. It could be a one-time visit, or an introduction to regular and aggressive procedures to keep yet another challenge in control!

Fortunately, my lounge chair can be moved from the sun while I relish in the warmth without the pain.

Love to go back 50 years for many reasons!

‘Till next time!